People are still being urged to stay out of Lincolnshire woodland almost two weeks after mustard gas was discovered on the site.

Hundreds of canisters containing the deadly gas were uncovered in the area of Roughton Moor Woods and Stixwould Lake near Woodhall Spa on October 1 and more than 20 agencies have been working to clear the area.

The operation is expected to wind down soon and responsibility for the site will be handed over by the police to East Lindsey District Council.

The Army has now left the scene and Kirkby Lane has been reopened for traffic.

But council officials are still urging people to stay away and say a small cordon will remain in place for a while yet.

One of the cannisters recovered from Stixwould Lake

A public meeting was held last night, Thursday October 12, at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa at 6.30pm were officials gave the public an update on the situation.

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A statement released from East Lindsey District Council said: "Thank you to everyone who attended the public meeting in Woodhall Spa last night in regard to the mustard gas incident.

An example of the type of cannisters found

"The community is asked to avoid the woodland area concerned and it remains cordoned off at this time. There is still a need for the area where the ammunition was found to be fully decontaminated, although the items found on site have been safely removed from site.

"The site is safe if left undisturbed but an area will be fenced off (with a security presence) for a period of time whilst site surveys and decontamination takes place. Don't be concerned by this. We will only be fencing a relatively small area."

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The first canisters were found at Roughton Moor Wood on October 1 by two people who were treated in hospital for burns and breathing problems after coming into contact with the substance.

Sonar footage, which was obtained by army divers on behalf of the Environment Agency, shows a cannister crate at the bottom of Stixwould Lake near Woodhall Spa.